Caffeine Okay in Late Pregnancy? Yes!

Caffeine Okay in Late Pregnancy? Yes!

Lusting for a latte, yet you're pregnant? Jonesing for java? Coveting a cappucino? (okay, I'll stop now) For years, the accepted medical opinion regarding caffeine and pregnancy was simple: Don't. Yet new findings based on a rigorous study show that caffeine consumption by women in late pregnancy had little or no effect on birthweight or length of pregnancy. Which is good news if you've been abstaining for the last 6 months, during your entire pregnancy so far, but your cravings haven't abated.

However, before you open a vein and inject the caffeine directly, there are some things that are good to know:

1. This study reflects caffeine use in late pregnancy only. There are still major concerns about risk of miscarriage linked to caffeine use in early pregnancy and even prior to conception. If you are at risk for miscarriage, it is recommended that you abstain entirely from caffeine.
2. These findings are based on "moderate" caffeine consumption, which is defined as up to 2 cups per day. Keep in mind also that tea, chocolate, and soft drinks also often contain caffeine, and it is recommended that you take those items into consideration as well.
3. Despite what appears to be good news for caffeine-starved mamas-to-be, the March of Dimes still advocates complete abstinence from caffeine during the entire pregnancy.
   

Which gives you even more to look forward to when your baby is born.

From:
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/tags/coffee/default.aspx